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Ritsumeikan University Japanese Pop Culture Summer Program (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Study Abroad Advisor: Molly DeStafney (mldestafney@wm.edu) Click here for a definition of this term Program Type: Outside Program
Program Description:



Program 
This course overviews the birth, the present and the future prospects for Japanese pop culture. It focuses in particular on those elements of Japanese pop culture that have had a substantial influence globally: manga, anime, computer games, and the character creation business. The course will look at the uniqueness of such culture and its impact on the world while also studying its connections with traditional Japanese culture as well as Japanese culture as a whole.

Location
Kyoto is home to some of Japan's most important World Heritage Sites such as the Ryoanji, Ninnaji and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Temples, which are located right at the doorstep of Ritsumeikan University.  It enjoys a harmonious blend of the ancient and the modern, thus giving students the unique opportunity to experience all aspects of Japanese society.  

Course Information
This two weeks intensive program will include Japan Studies classes, which will be held four times during the program.  In addition to the lectures on Japanese Culture held in the Pop Culture and Pop Language classes, participants are given the opportunity to take part in fieldwork excursions and also receive special lectures pertaining to Japanese culture and historical places from masters or experts who are well respected in their filed in order to reinforce what they have learnt.

Twelve Pop Language classes will be offered during the program.  Those students who have no previous Japanese language study are welcome.  In this class, students will learn how to read Japanese in their MANGA comics, Anime, Video games and other interesting sub-cultures.  No previous study is necessary and beginners are welcome! 

All Pop Culture lectures will be taught in English.  There are 15 lectures, 90 minutes each on a different topic related to Japanese Pop Culture.  

For more information on the program, please check the Pop Culture website directly here:  http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/admissions/short-term-programs/pop-culture/

Students will receive direct credit from Ritsumeikan University for all courses.  Please note that any courses transferring as Japanese credits (language or otherwise) can only be post-approved.

Accommodations
Students will be assigned housing during the program.  Students will be asked to pay the housing balance upon arrival.

Application
Students should apply online directly on the Ritsumeikan website.  Applications are due in May.  The online application portal will open early April.

Students will need to register through the Global Education Office at W&M by April 1  

Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Approximate Decision Date (Subject To Change) Start Date End Date
Summer 2024 04/01/2024 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA
NOTE: The deadline listed is for REGISTRATION of this program with W&M through the Reves Center at studyabroad.wm.edu -- you must apply directly to this program according to their deadlines, which may be earlier than W&M's registration deadline!

** Students will be notified of their status for this program and be able to complete post-decision materials following the term's application deadline.